The expert spoke about the most harmful and healthy foods for the intestines.

Fatty fried foods are considered the most harmful to the stomach and intestines. In addition, carbonated drinks, sausages and strong tea are harmful. Among the healthy foods are porridges, some fruits and jelly. Irina Lyalina, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the State University of Education, told Izvestia on April 17 what excessive consumption of heavy food leads to, and what, on the contrary, will benefit the body.

"Fatty fried foods, as they are difficult to digest, can cause heartburn, bloating, gastritis and even ulcers, and spicy seasonings and spices that irritate the gastric mucosa can exacerbate gastritis and ulcers," the expert warned.

In addition, it overloads the digestive tract, disrupts the microflora and is addictive to fast food, because it is very rich in saturated fats, salt and preservatives.

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Experts advise taking into account the glycemic index of foods.

As Lyalina explained, all carbonated drinks that cause bloating, irritate the gastric mucosa, and contribute to the development of reflux esophagitis are also harmful. At the same time, it is better to exclude smoked meats and sausages from the diet, since they contain a lot of salt, fat and artificial additives and this can disrupt intestinal function.

"Coffee and strong tea, especially on an empty stomach, are also harmful — they increase the acidity of the stomach and can irritate the mucous membrane. Alcohol damages the mucous membrane itself, disrupts intestinal motility and the balance of microflora, therefore, it also refers to products harmful to the stomach and intestines," Lyalina explained.

Of the most useful products, the expert named lean meat — chicken, turkey, rabbit — it is easily digested and does not irritate the stomach. Vegetables, especially boiled or stewed, such as carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, are rich in fiber, improve gastrointestinal motility, and reduce inflammation.

Fermented dairy products are also useful for the stomach: kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk — they improve the intestinal microflora and promote digestion.

"Whole-grain bread, buckwheat and rice are very useful, as they are rich in fiber and nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria. Oatmeal is also useful, it envelops the mucous membrane, improves peristalsis, and gently cleanses the intestines," the expert shared.

As for fruits, according to Lyalina, some of them can increase acidity or contain a high glycemic index. However, bananas and baked apples contain fiber and pectins, and also promote mucosal healing.

"Jelly and dried fruit compotes are very useful, they envelop the mucous membrane and improve digestion," the specialist added.

Earlier, on April 16, Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert doctor at the Hemotest laboratory, a gastroenterologist, told Izvestia about the causes of cravings for salty food. According to the gastroenterologist, the reasons for the increased need for salty foods can be divided into physiological and psychological. Physiological conditions include, for example, dehydration. When there is a lack of fluid, the body loses electrolytes and tries to restore its water balance.

The signal may be an obsessive desire to eat something salty. Dehydration often occurs after intense workouts and in the heat, when a person sweats profusely and loses electrolytes along with sweat, as well as alcohol abuse.